🔗 Share this article

Miami Heat claimed a overwhelming 146-114 victory over the Grizzlies in their initial NBA game since player Rozier was arrested for alleged illegal sports betting.

Trail Blazers coach Billups was also arrested as part of a extensive FBI investigation into illegal gambling. Both men deny the allegations.

However, the Miami team were not distracted as they recorded eighty-six first-half scores to be ahead of the Grizzlies by 39 at halftime, the biggest halftime lead in the team's 37 year existence.

Bam Adebayo led the way with twenty-four scores and afterwards stated Terry had the support of the team.

"We stand behind him. Full support," Bam stated. "You support him through and through. That's our brother at the end of the day."

Heat coach Spoelstra commented: "Terry is somebody who is very dear to all of us. He's had a real positive impact on our team.

"Our thoughts are with him and our care for him as he goes through this."

Portland additionally secured their first game after the arrests, with Brazil-born Splitter taking over as interim coach in Billups' absence and leading the team to a decisive 139-119 win over the Golden State Warriors.

"We all had great experiences with Chauncey and how he coached," Splitter said. "We're thinking of him and his family but we have a job to do."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver 'Upset' by Arrests

Addressing the arrests for the first time, NBA commissioner Silver stated he was "deeply disturbed" by the events of the recent days.

"Nothing is more critical to the NBA and supporters than the integrity of the competition," he informed Amazon Prime. "And so I had a pit in my stomach. It was very upsetting."

The commissioner further said an league probe into Rozier's actions in March 2023, when there was "aberrational betting" in a game he played for the Charlotte Hornets against the Pelicans, found nothing untoward.

"We were informed by the authorities and the betting companies," he added.

"We then looked into the matter and were open about it. And while there was that aberrational betting, we, frankly, found no evidence.

"Federal authorities has subpoena power... [it] can impose penalties, can take various actions that the NBA is unable to.

"Therefore, we've been cooperating from that point. And, of course, what they revealed recently was an charge.

"And two and a half years after, he has not been found guilty of anything, in justice to Terry.

"Clearly, it appears unfavorable, but he's been put on administrative leave, and so it is a balance in this case between protecting people's rights and conducting an inquiry."

Additional League Results

Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers player Doncic scored over forty points for the second game straight to begin the campaign.

Following scoring 43 scores in a first defeat to the Golden State, the European star achieved forty-nine scores - to go with eleven rebounds and eight passes - as the Los Angeles defeated the Timberwolves 128 to 110.

Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo additionally had a strong performance with 31 points, 20 rebounds and seven passes in the Milwaukee Bucks' 122-116 win over the Raptors.

Houston Rockets were beaten 115 to 111 by the Detroit Pistons even with 37 scores from Kevin Durant, while Wembanyama had twenty-nine points, eleven boards and 9 blocks in the San Antonio Spurs' overtime win over the Pelicans.